Ireland outclassed by 14-player France

Ireland were handed a harsh lesson in the standards required at international level as they shipped a heavy defeat to France, who played most of the match with 14 players.

Coming off the back of a demoralising opening TikTok Women's Six Nation loss in Wales last weekend, Greg McWilliams' side promised fight and showed glimpses of potential and improvement, especially with ball in hand, however, they were ultimately overpowered and outclassed by the team ranked third in the world.

The visitors crossed for nine tries on a sunny but windy day in Musgrave Park, while Dannah O'Brien's penalty was Ireland's only score as they succumbed to a record loss to France.

Ireland were operating without their sevens players, who are on duty in Hong Kong, while they had also lost experienced centre Enya Breen to injury last week. Nicole Cronin, Ireland's most capped back in the squad was also a late withdrawal, with uncapped Emma Swords stepping in.

Gaelle Mignot and David Ortiz's charges were clearly the better side but the hosts were authors of their own misfortune in many ways, missing too many first up tackles, conceding too many penalties and failing to secure ball at lineout and the breakdown.

It was actually Ireland who began the game better with a spell of possession inside the French half but poor discipline allowed France to move their way upfield and they struck off their first entry into the Irish 22.

Centre Marine Menager's powerful running had the Irish on the back foot and when Charlotte Escudero bashed Aoife Dalton out of the way, captain Audrey Forlani was in the right place to score France's first in the ninth minute.

Their second, four minutes later, had a touch of luck when out-half Carla Arbez's kick bounced away from